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Clinical Laboratory Science Program

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Program

Program at a Glance

Degree Types

  • Certificate

Formats

  • In-Person
  • Online

Length

  • 4 Semesters | Associate Degree
  • 2-4 Semesters | Certificate

Career Pathway

Health Sciences

Where Precision Meets Patient Care

Listed among the top 20 best jobs in health care, clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) play a vital role in patient diagnosis and treatment.

They perform a full range of laboratory tests that help physicians evaluate, diagnose and manage disease. In addition to examining blood, tissue and body fluid specimens under a microscope, CLS professionals operate advanced laboratory instrumentation and ensure rigorous quality control.

Clinical laboratory scientists are analytical problem-solvers who thrive on challenge and responsibility. They are dependable, detail-oriented and able to work effectively under pressure. This essential career often directly influences patient outcomes and requires strong communication skills, a commitment to excellence and a lifelong curiosity about science.

The College of DuPage offers a two-year Associate in Science transfer program in Clinical Laboratory Science. After completing CLS coursework and earning an Associate in Science degree at COD, students may transfer as juniors to an affiliated institution to complete a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree are then eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the National Certification Agency for laboratory personnel.

There is no separate or additional admissions process required to enroll in the CLS transfer program at College of DuPage.

Registration Information

For more information on how to get started in the CLS program, read through the CLS Registration Packet or learn more about the CLS, phlebotomy and non-invasive electrocardiography (EKG) programs by watching the information session video.

First Step to Register - Attend an Information Session

 

Determine Your Path

A clinical lab scientist (CLS) performs a variety of full-range laboratory tests. The results of these tests help physicians evaluate, diagnose and monitor medical treatment. Many of these complex laboratory tests uncover diseases such as AIDS, diabetes and leukemia.

You want to attend a college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:

  • Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
  • Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
  • Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
  • Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.

Associate in Science

Students in the Associate in Science degree program complete general education core requirements, coursework in Human Relations and Global/Multicultural Studies or Contemporary Life Skills and fulfill math and science requirements.

The Associate in Science degree program enables students to transfer seamlessly to another institution to earn a bachelor's degree.

Get Started Today

The first step to get started in the CLS program is to read the CLS Registration Packet. 

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

Careers

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) also referred to as medical technologists, are highly trained professionals that perform hundreds of types of tests critical to the diagnoses, treatment, management and prevention of disease. The information provided by clinical laboratory scientists generate as much as 70 percent of the data in a patient's medical record, making them critical members of the health care team.

A CLS uses sophisticated biomedical instrumentation, microscopes and computers to analyze blood, tissue and body-fluid specimens. Some of the jobs available in this profession include staff technologist, forensic scientist, laboratory manager, medical sales representative, research associate (for new medical products or drugs), college/university faculty and regional blood bank director.

Members of this profession work in a variety of laboratory settings, including hospitals and clinics, research facilities, public health departments, clinical testing-related industries and forensic laboratories.

 

 

Clinical Laboratory Science Registration Packet

Download Packet




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Contact Information

You must have a COD ID to meet with an advisor.

Students can also contact Andrea Stone, Program Chair at (630) 942-4331 or stonea127@cod.edu.

You must have a COD ID to meet with an advisor.

Students can also contact Andrea Stone, Program Chair at (630) 942-4331 or stonea127@cod.edu.

Alison Greene

Academic Plans, Advisor

Location
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3301

Danielle Jones

Academic Plans, Advisor

Location
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3301

Eric Seidelman

Academic Plans, Advisor

Location
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3301

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Take the Next Step

Whether you’re exploring, applying or planning your path, COD makes it easy to get started.

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